CN102225233A - Multisensor monitoring of motor behavior - Google Patents

Abstract

Multi-sensor monitoring of athletic performance, athletic performance monitoring systems and methods, many of which use global positioning satellite ("GPS") data in some manner to provide data and information to athletes and/or equipment used by athletes during athletic activities. Such systems and methods may provide route information to athletes and/or their trainers, for example, for pre-event planning, targeting, and calibration purposes. Such systems and methods may optionally provide real-time information to the athlete while the activity is taking place, for example, to help achieve a preset goal. In addition, the data and information collected by such systems and methods may assist athletes and their trainers in post-performance analysis, for example, to assess past performance and to help improve future performance.

Description

Multisensor monitoring of motor behavior

This application is a divisional application of the application dated December 12, 2005, the application number is 200580047209.2, and the invention title is "Multi-sensor Monitoring of Sports Behavior".

technical field

The present invention generally relates to athletic activity monitoring systems and methods. At least some embodiments of athletic performance monitoring systems and methods according to the present invention use global positioning satellite data ("GPS data") to optionally etc.), provide data and information to the athlete and/or the equipment used by the athlete before, during and/or after.

Background technique

Increasing awareness of the health benefits gained from physical exercise and participation in athletic events has led to an increase in the number of individuals engaging in these activities. Many individuals train or exercise at clubs or indoor gyms using training equipment that includes various sensors for measuring physical and/or physiological parameters related to the user's exercise. For example, treadmills, elliptical trainers, steppers, stationary bikes, etc. typically provide electronic devices that measure and estimate physical and/or physiological parameters related to an exercise or training exercise, such as distance traveled, time spent exercising, Altitude climbed, level of incline, rate of movement (eg, miles per hour, etc.), heart rate, energy expended, calories expended, rate at which calories are burned, etc. In some gyms or clubs, data related to an individual's exercise can be automatically transferred from the training equipment directly to the computer system and stored. Athletes, their trainers and/or coaches can access this data, for example, for post-workout analysis to measure progress or improvement, develop future workout routines or plans, and the like.

Some physical exercises, training programs or athletic activities are simply not suitable for use with indoor gymnasiums and/or stationary training equipment of the type described above. For example, distance runners (marathon runners), cyclists, triathletes, etc. typically cover large distances during each workout, and they must train in a variety of different terrains and conditions. Such athletes may also quickly become bored when using stationary, indoor training equipment for a period of time that requires preparation for the activity in which they are competing. Additionally, some individuals simply prefer to exercise outside and outside compared to the confines of an indoor gym or club. Exercising alone and outdoors additionally has advantages over using indoor facilities because outdoor exercising alone generally does not require club or gym memberships and their associated dues, thus eliminating the burden involved in maintaining fitness and participating in physical activity. At least some fees.

While monitors and sensors can be used to collect data related to athletic performance and provide athletes with real-time data as their performance is occurring, such monitors and sensors generally have limitations. For example, accelerometers and other pedometer-based speed and distance monitors used have accuracy issues when walking or running, especially when used at high speeds and/or over terrain different from their initial calibration conditions or in other under conditions. Some sensors, such as accelerometers and barometric pressure sensors, tend to drift away from their calibration or "zero" point over time, thus limiting their accuracy and/or requiring frequent recalibration. Such portable devices generally also do not store data and correlate the data they measure with other measured behavior-related physical and/or physiological parameters. For example, conventionally available portable devices generally do not correlate measured heart rate, altitude, speed, calories burned, etc. with each other and/or with time and/or distance elapsed in said activity, and Such conventional systems do not store large amounts of data for later analysis or use. Therefore, these conventional portable training monitors do not allow for extensive post-training analysis and data processing.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for portable athletic performance monitoring systems and methods that compare measured physical and/or physiological data related to athletic performance with other data collected during the performance, including time spent in the performance and/or distance. There is also a need in the art for systems and methods that automatically store data related to athletic performance and make this data available to athletes, their coaches and/or trainers for post-performance analysis. There is also a need in the art for improved athletic performance monitoring systems and methods that allow athletes to better use data generated from past performance, for example to measure improvement or change, set future goals, and/or design plans for upcoming activities and/or strategy.

Contents of the invention

The following presents a general summary of aspects of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of at least some aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the invention and/or to delineate the scope of the invention. The following summary merely presents some concepts of the invention in a general form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented below.

Aspects of the present invention relate to athletic activity monitoring systems and methods, many of which use Global Positioning Satellite ("GPS") data in some fashion. In some embodiments of systems and methods according to the present invention, GPS data can be used to calibrate other athletic activity monitoring devices, such as speedometers, tachometers, pedometers, altimeters, odometers, barometric pressure sensors, compass or direction sensors, and the like. Some exemplary systems and methods according to aspects of the invention collect and store data generated by GPS systems and non-GPS systems during athletic performance, then use the non-GPS data to provide information and feedback to athletes during said performance, and/or Data holes are filled when GPS reception is not available at the athlete's location. There are also other systems and methods of collecting and storing data generated by GPS and non-GPS systems, using non-GPS data to provide real-time feedback to athletes during said performance, and optionally using GPS and non-GPS data for performance post-analysis.

GPS information may also be collected and used in at least some example aspects of the invention to generate data related to the route traveled by an athlete during an athletic activity. For example, systems and methods according to at least some embodiments of this invention may rely on GPS data to determine whether a route traveled during an athletic activity corresponds to a route traveled during one or more previous athletic activities. As a further example, systems and methods according to embodiments of the present invention may rely on GPS data (and possibly other data) as an aid in specifying a "route difficulty level" for a route used during an athletic activity, e.g., The route difficulty rating is based at least in part on: route length, elevation change; altitude; temperature; humidity; wind speed; wind direction, and the like. Additional embodiments of systems and methods according to the present invention may rely on GPS data (optionally at the player's new location), map data, and/or data related to one or more past athletic performances to suggest future A new route of motor behavior, for example in a new location.

GPS data and/or optionally other data may be used for other purposes in athletic activity monitoring systems and methods according to at least some embodiments of the present invention. For example, GPS data and/or other activity data may be used to control audio, video, and/or printed information display devices during athletic activity. GPS data and/or other performance data, optionally incorporating route information, may be used as auxiliary information to generate time targets used by athletes during athletic performance.

Additional aspects of the invention relate to the use of GPS and/or other collected data to provide information and feedback to athletes and/or to analyze athletic performance during and after said athletic performance. For example, systems and methods according to at least some embodiments of the present invention may generate displays illustrating at least some data collected by the altimetry system, other physical and/or physiological behavior monitors, and/or GPS systems. Optionally, the information may be displayed on a map or other representation of the route, thereby linking the physical and/or physiological data to the time, distance and/or position of the athlete along the route. In other embodiments, the displayed information may be used with and/or as part of a virtual or animated "replay" of the player's actions.

The invention provides a sports behavior monitoring system, comprising:

a global positioning satellite receiver that obtains data related to a series of time-stamped fixes;

a first athletic performance monitor that measures physical data related to the performance of the athlete; and

means for generating calibration data for generating calibration data for said first athletic activity monitor based on data obtained by said global positioning satellite receiver.

In the sports behavior monitoring system provided by the present invention, the first sports behavior monitor can provide data related to the distance the athlete moves.

The first athletic activity monitor may provide data related to the speed of the athlete's movement.

The means for generating calibration data may generate multiple correction factors for use under different athletic performance conditions.

The present invention also provides a sports behavior monitoring system, comprising:

a global positioning satellite receiver that obtains data related to a series of time-stamped fixes;

a first athletic performance monitor that provides data related to at least one of speed or distance of movement of the athlete;

A second athletic performance monitor that provides data relevant to the direction of movement of the athlete; and

means for storing, which is used for storing data related to the performance of said athlete, wherein said means for storing stores data passed through said first athletic performance monitor and said second athletic performance monitor when global positioning satellite reception is not available 2. The data collected by the motor behavior monitor.

The present invention additionally provides a sports behavior monitoring system, comprising:

an altitude measurement system that obtains data relating to the altitude at which the player's position is when the athletic performance is taking place;

a first athletic performance monitor providing data related to at least one of speed or distance of movement of said athlete;

a second athletic performance monitor that provides data related to physiological data related to the performance of the athlete;

means for storing, for storing data related to the performance of said athlete, wherein said means for storing stores at least some 2. Data collected by motor behavior monitors; and

means for displaying in a time-correlated manner at least some of the data collected by said altimeter system, said first motor activity monitor and said second motor activity monitor.

The present invention provides a kind of sports behavior monitoring system again, comprises:

a global positioning satellite receiver that obtains data related to a series of time-stamped fixes;

a first athletic performance monitor that provides data related to at least one of the speed or distance the athlete moves during the athletic performance;

means for storing, for storing data relevant to said athletic activity collected by said global positioning satellite receiver and said first athletic activity monitor;

The means for displaying, it is used for using the data collected by described first motion behavior monitor and not using the data collected by described global positioning satellite receiver to display the motion associated with the motion behavior in the information during the conduct described; and

Means for analyzing and displaying, for analyzing and displaying information associated with said motor activity when said activity no longer occurs, wherein said means for analyzing and displaying information use at least Data collected by satellite receivers.

The present invention also provides a sports behavior monitoring system, comprising:

a global positioning satellite receiver that obtains data related to a series of time-stamped fixes encountered during the athletic activity; and

Be used for determining the device, it is used to be based on the data obtained by described global positioning satellite receiver during described athletic behavior, whether to determine whether the route through during described athletic behavior corresponds to the route taken during previous athletic behavior route passed.

The above-mentioned sports behavior monitoring system provided by the present invention may further include:

Means for correlating for correlating at least some of the data collected by the global positioning satellite receiver with the position of the athlete along the route traveled during the athletic performance.

The present invention additionally provides a sports behavior monitoring system, comprising:

a global positioning satellite receiver that obtains data related to a series of time-stamped fixes encountered during the athletic activity; and

means for assigning a route difficulty level for assigning a route difficulty level to a route used during said athletic activity, said route difficulty level being based at least in part on at least one of: route length; altitude on said route changes in; the altitude of the route; the temperature during the athletic activity; the humidity during the athletic activity; the wind speed during the athletic activity; and the wind direction during the athletic activity.

In the athletic performance monitoring system provided by the present invention, the means for assigning a difficulty level of a route may be based at least in part on data associated with the route for one or more courses taken by the athlete during one or more previous athletic activities. A comparison of data associated with a route to assign a route difficulty level to the route.

The present invention also provides a sports behavior monitoring system, comprising:

a global positioning satellite receiver that obtains data relating to a series of time-stamped fixes encountered during the athletic activity;

means for storing data associated with one or more routes used by an athlete during a plurality of athletic performances; and

means for suggesting a new route for future athletic performance, wherein the means for suggesting the new route is performed at least in part by associating data associated with the location of the new route with the stored The data associated with at least some of the routes used during the plurality of athletic activities are compared to determine the new route.

In the athletic behavior monitoring system also provided by the present invention, the stored data may be at least partially related to: the length of the route used during the multiple athletic behaviors; the altitude on the route used during the multiple athletic behaviors change; the altitude of the route used during the athletic sessions; the temperature during the athletic sessions; the humidity during the athletic sessions; the wind speed during the athletic sessions; wind direction.

The present invention additionally provides a sports behavior monitoring system, comprising:

a global positioning satellite receiver that obtains data relating to a series of time-stamped fixes encountered during the athletic activity;

Means for controlling an audio device during said athletic activity based at least in part on data obtained by said global positioning satellite receiver.

In the sports behavior monitoring system additionally provided by the present invention, the device for controlling the audio device can adjust at least one feature of the content played by the audio device based on the close route condition, and the close route condition can be obtained by using the global positioning satellite The data obtained by the receiver is determined.

The means for controlling the audio device may adjust at least one characteristic of the content played by the audio device when the data obtained by the global positioning satellite receiver indicates that the athlete has fallen behind a predetermined pace.

The means for controlling the audio device may adjust at least one characteristic of content played by the audio device based on the determined location of the player's proximity via the global positioning satellite receiver.

The present invention also provides a sports behavior monitoring system, comprising:

means for receiving input data related to motor activity; and

Means for displaying information related to said motor activity, wherein said displayed information relates at least one physical feature of said motor activity to time, distance or position along a route used during said motor activity and wherein the displayed information correlates at least one physiological characteristic of the athletic activity with time, distance or location along a route used during the athletic activity.

The present invention also provides a sports behavior monitoring system, comprising:

means for receiving input data relating to a route used during athletic activity, wherein said input data includes information for generating an actual or animated map of said route;

means for receiving input data related to athletic activity during said athletic activity; and

means for displaying simultaneously displaying information from said input data related to said route and from said input data related to said athletic activity, thereby providing information on said route, on said athletic activity, replay of data of said athletic activity during said athletic activity.

The present invention also provides a sports behavior monitoring system, comprising:

means for receiving input data relating to a route used during athletic activity, wherein said input data comprises at least distance and route difficulty data relating to said route;

means for receiving input data relating to target times or timing targets for all or a portion of said athletic activity; and

means for calculating, using said input data relating to said route and said input data relating to said target time or timing target, to calculate A plurality of time goals such that if the time goal is met, the user will reach the input target time or timed goal for the athletic activity.

Description of drawings

A more complete understanding of the invention and some of its advantages may be obtained by referring to the following description and accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, and in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary system according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary two-dimensional graphic display that can be used to display the collected athletic performance data by systems and methods according to embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 3 shows the exemplary display that comprises map data and two-dimensional graph data, and this data can be used for displaying the athletic behavior data collected by the system and method according to the embodiment of the present invention;

4 shows an exemplary three-dimensional display including terrain information that can be used to display athletic activity data collected by systems and methods according to embodiments of the invention;

5 shows an exemplary three-dimensional display including terrain map data and information that can be used to display athletic activity data collected by systems and methods according to embodiments of the invention;

6 illustrates an exemplary three-dimensional display including topographical information that can be used to display athletic activity data collected by systems and methods according to embodiments of the invention, for example, for displaying activity data in a "replay" format; and

FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a computer system that can be used to analyze and process athletic performance data in systems and methods according to embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed ways

In the following description of various exemplary embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of example various exemplary devices, systems and environments in which aspects of the invention may be practiced, and in which Several examples of the manner in which data may be processed and/or displayed in the embodiments. It is to be understood that other specific arrangements of components, exemplary devices, systems and environments may be utilized, that different analyzes and displays may be produced, and that structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

To assist the reader, this description is divided into subsections, as follows: Terminology; General Description of Athletic Activity Monitoring Systems and Methods According to Embodiments of the Invention; Specific Embodiments of the Invention; and Conclusion.

A. Terminology

The following terms are used in this specification, and unless otherwise indicated or clear from the context, these terms have the meanings provided below.

"Performance" or "motor activity" means any type of physical exertion or physical activity. Such activities include, but are not necessarily limited to: exercise routines; training exercises; timed tests; formal competitions; informal exercises; In this specification, the term "motor activity" or "activity" may be used synonymously with "motor activity" or "behavior".

"Physical data" relating to motor performance corresponds to any data associated with or relating to any measurable characteristic of the performance concerned. Such physical data includes, but is not limited to: physiological data (described in more detail below); elapsed time; time; distance covered; number of steps taken; velocity; acceleration; angular velocity; angular acceleration; altitude; atmospheric pressure; Data generated by the gyroscope; flight direction or direction data; ambient temperature data; ambient humidity data; wind direction data; wind speed data;

"Physiological data" relating to athletic performance corresponds to any data relating to or relating to any measurable characteristic of the athlete's body or trunk. Such physiological data includes, but is not limited to: heart rate; pulse rate; calories burned; calorie expenditure rate; METs; body weight; body temperature; blood pressure; electrocardiogram data;

B. General Description of Athletic Activity Monitoring Systems and Methods According to Embodiments of the Invention

In general, aspects of the invention relate to athletic activity monitoring systems and methods that include various features or functions. Some of the more specific exemplary aspects of the invention relate to athletic activity monitoring systems that use Global Positioning Satellite ("GPS") data in some fashion. In one embodiment, aspects of the present invention relate to an athletic behavior monitoring system comprising: (a) a global positioning satellite receiver, which obtains data relevant to a series of time-stamped anchor points; (b) a first athletic activity monitor , which measure physical data relevant to the performance of the athlete; and (c) means for generating calibration data for the first athletic performance monitor based on data obtained by the global positioning satellite receiver. As an example, global positioning satellite data can be used to calibrate athletic behavior monitoring devices such as speedometers, pedometers, altimeters, odometers, barometric pressure sensors, compass or direction sensors, and the like. In at least some cases, the calibration data may be provided as one or more "correction factors" that may be applied to a measured parameter, optionally based on one or more other measured parameters during a motor activity to select the specific correction factor to use.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to an athletic behavior monitoring system, which includes: (a) a global positioning satellite receiver, which obtains data relevant to a series of time-stamped anchor points; (b) a first athletic activity monitor, which provides Data relevant to at least one of the speed or distance of movement of the athlete during the athletic activity; (c) a second athletic activity monitor that provides data relevant to the direction of movement of the athlete during the athletic activity; and (d) for Means for storing data related to athlete performance, wherein said means for storing stores data collected by the first and second athletic performance monitors when global positioning satellite reception is unavailable.

Further embodiments of the present invention relate to other athletic activity monitoring systems using GPS data. Another more specific embodiment of the present invention relates to athletic behavior monitoring system, and it comprises: (a) global positioning satellite receiver, it obtains the data relevant with a series of time stamp fixation points; (b) first athletic behavior monitor , which provides data relevant to at least one of the speed or distance of movement of the athlete during the athletic behavior; (c) a device for storing the collected data related to the athletic behavior by the global positioning satellite receiver and the first athletic behavior monitor (d) use the data collected by the first motor behavior monitor instead of using the data collected by the global positioning satellite receiver to display the device of the information connected with the motor behavior during the behavior; and (e) when the Means for analyzing and displaying information associated with said athletic activity when said activity no longer occurs, wherein said means for analyzing and displaying information use at least data collected by said global positioning satellite receiver.

GPS information and/or map data may be used in at least some example aspects of the present invention to gather data related to the route traveled by an athlete during an athletic activity. One embodiment relates to athletic behavior monitoring system, it comprises: (a) global positioning satellite receiver, it obtains the data relevant with a series of time mark fix points encountered during athletic behavior; And (b) is used for determining means for whether the route traveled during the motor activity corresponds to the route traveled during the previous motor activity. As another example, the athletic behavior monitoring system according to at least some embodiments of the present invention may include: (a) a global positioning satellite receiver, which obtains a series of time-stamp anchor points related to encountering during athletic behavior data; and (b) means for specifying a route difficulty rating for a route used during said athletic activity, the route difficulty rating being based at least in part on one of: route length; altitude change on the route; said route the altitude during the exercise; the temperature during the exercise; the humidity during the exercise; the wind speed during the exercise; and the wind direction during the exercise. Another exemplary athletic behavior monitoring system may include: (a) a global positioning satellite receiver, which obtains data relevant to a series of time-stamped anchor points encountered during athletic activity; A means for the data of one or more route connections used by athletes during a plurality of athletic performances; and (c) means for suggesting new routes for future athletic performances, wherein said means for suggesting said new routes is at least partially passed The new route is determined by comparing data associated with the location of the new route with stored data associated with routes used by the athlete during at least some of the plurality of athletic performances.

GPS data may also be used for other purposes in athletic activity monitoring systems according to at least some embodiments of the present invention. For example, such a system may include: (a) a global positioning satellite receiver that obtains data related to a series of time-stamped fixes encountered during the athletic activity; data obtained by the computer for controlling audio, video, or other display devices during the athletic activity; and optionally, (c) audio, video, or other means for providing audio, video, print or other information devices.

Another athletic behavior monitoring system according to at least some embodiments of the present invention may include: (a) an altitude measurement system that obtains data relevant to the height at which the athlete is positioned when the athletic behavior is taking place; (b) the first athletic behavior A monitor that provides data relevant to at least one of the speed or distance of the athlete's movement; (c) a second athletic activity monitor that provides physiological data (such as heart rate; pulse rate; blood pressure; and/or or body temperature); (d) a device for storing data related to motor behavior, wherein said means for storing stores collected at least some data; and (e) means for displaying at least some of the data collected by the altimeter system, the first motor activity monitor and the second motor activity monitor in a time or distance dependent manner.

Additional exemplary aspects of the invention relate to systems for analyzing and/or processing data collected during athletic activity. Embodiments of such a system may include: (a) means for receiving input data related to athletic activity; and (b) means for displaying information related to athletic activity, wherein the displayed information will represent At least one physical characteristic is associated with time, distance, or location along a route used during the motor activity, and wherein the displayed information relates the at least one physiological characteristic of the motor activity to time, distance, or time along the route used during the motor activity or location contact. Additional embodiments of such a system may include: (a) means for receiving input data relating to a route to be used during an upcoming athletic activity, wherein the input data includes the actual (b) means for receiving input data related to athletic behavior during said athletic activity; and (c) from said input data related to said route and from said motion Said input data relating to said athletic activity is simultaneously displayed with information, thereby providing means for data replay of said athletic activity during said athletic activity, during said athletic activity.

Additional exemplary aspects of the invention may relate to the use of an athletic performance monitoring system according to the invention to assist an athlete in participating in an activity. Such a system may include, for example: (a) means for receiving input data related to a route used during the athletic activity, wherein the input data includes at least distance and route difficulty data related to the route; ( b) means for receiving input data relevant to all or part of said athletic activity's target time or timing target; and (c) using said input data relevant to said route and said target time or timing target related to said input data, to calculate a plurality of time targets along said route or part of said route, so that even if said time targets are achieved, the athlete also reaches said input target time or timing target of said athletic activity device.

Additional aspects of the invention relate to methods for monitoring motor activity, eg, using a variety of motor activity monitoring systems, including the systems described above (and more specific systems described in more detail below). Additional aspects of the invention relate to computer-readable media comprising computer-executable instructions stored thereon for operating the various systems and performing the various methods described above.

Specific embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail below. The reader should understand that these specific examples are set forth merely as illustrations of embodiments of the invention, and that they should not be construed as limiting the invention.

C. Specific Examples of the Invention

Various figures in this application illustrate athletic activity monitoring systems and methods according to various embodiments of the present invention.

1. General instructions

Aspects of the invention relate to systems and methods that athletes and/or trainers or coaches may use to prepare for, monitor and/or evaluate athletic performance. At least some systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the present invention use Global Positioning Satellite ("GPS") data in some manner to inform athletes, their trainers, their coaches, and/or players before, during, and/or after an athletic activity The devices used provide data and information.

1 illustrates an exemplary system 100 that may be used to collect data and provide information to athletes, their trainers, and/or their coaches before, during, and/or after an athletic activity. Such a system 100 may include hardware and software that may be worn or carried by the athlete and/or his/her device during the athletic performance (e.g., to collect data related to the athletic performance), the software optionally Runs on a personal computer 112, which can be used, for example, to prepare for upcoming actions and/or analyze past actions. Various features of such behavior monitoring systems and methods are described in more detail below.

Systems 100 and methods according to embodiments of the invention may include one or more devices that collect data about and/or during athletic activity. For example, systems 100 and methods according to the present invention may include one or more physiological monitors 102 that monitor one or more physiological characteristics related to motor activity. Any suitable or desired physiological monitor 102 may be used without departing from the invention, such as heart rate monitors, pulse monitors, blood pressure monitors, body temperature monitors, electrocardiogram monitors, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, systems 100 and methods according to at least some embodiments of the present invention may collect and use data generated by one or more physical activity monitors 104, such as speed/distance monitors or other types of speedometers , pedometer, accelerometer (for measuring linear or angular acceleration), altimeter, gyroscope (for measuring rotation rate), gyro position monitor (for measuring relative angular position), compass (such as magnetic compass), Ambient pressure sensors (such as barometric pressure), wind speed monitors, wind direction monitors, air temperature measuring devices, humidity measuring devices, stopwatches or other timing devices, etc. At least a portion of physical monitor 104 and/or physiological monitor 102 may be carried by the athlete and/or his/her device during the performance.

Additionally, systems 100 and methods in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention use data and information related to athletic activity collected or provided by global positioning monitors or systems 106 . As is conventionally known, the GPS system uses a series of orbiting GPS satellites to monitor the location of people and/or objects on earth. In addition to providing data related to absolute latitude and longitude position coordinates of GPS receivers, data provided by the GPS system can also be adapted and used to provide information related to time elapsed during an activity, distance traveled, Information about the altitude or altitude of a location, changes in altitude over time, direction of movement, speed of movement, etc. At least a portion of the GPS monitoring system 106 may be carried by the athlete and/or his/her device during the athletic activity.

Systems 100 and methods according to at least some embodiments of the present invention may include other peripheral devices 108 that may be used before, during, and/or after an athletic activity. Such peripheral devices 108 may include, for example: audio or video players such as to provide entertainment or other information to the user; cellular telephones and/or their associated sound, data transmission, and/or receiving devices; systems such as pagers or pagers; other data transmission and reception devices, etc. Peripherals 108 may further be carried by the athlete and/or his/her device during athletic activity, and it may further include devices such as earphones, earpieces, speakers, goggles, etc., to enable communication to the athlete (or others) information and/or receive information from athletes.

For use at least while athletic activity is taking place, systems 100 and methods according to at least some embodiments of the present invention may include a portable and/or wearable display device 110 . This display device 110 may take any suitable or desired form without departing from the invention. For example, it can be a digital display device, an audio display device, a video or image display device, an alphanumeric display device (e.g. for displaying printed text), a head-mounted display device, an arm/wrist-mounted display device (e.g. a watch or similar devices), clip-on display devices (like pagers, cellular phones, etc.), etc. Additionally, an athlete (and/or his/her device) may carry more than one display device 110 if desired, and/or a single display device 110, which may provide information in many different forms or formats from multiple sources without Departing from the invention, for example, in the various forms and from the sources described above. Portable/wearable display device 110 may be included in and/or similar to a conventional watch, PDA, MP3 player, cellular phone, pager, pager. The display device 110 can also provide the athlete with real-time data as the action is taking place, such as data from any of a variety of sensors or other sources, optionally along with other information, such as messages from coaches or trainers, updated timing, or other Target information, weather information, data or information generated by processing previously generated behavioral data, calibration and/or correction factor information for one or more sensors, etc.

In addition to providing real-time information while the athletic activity is occurring, the system 100 and method according to embodiments of the present invention may also provide information before and/or after the athletic activity occurs. For example, the system 100 and method according to embodiments of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a personal computer 112, such as a laptop computer, palmtop computer, pocket personal computer, desktop computer, or the like. The personal computer 102 can provide information or data to, and it can also receive data and information. This transfer of data and information may occur in any desired manner without departing from the invention, including for example via cellular telephone link technology, radio transceiver technology, satellite technology, wired or wireless computer network connections and/or in any other way, including in a conventional manner known in the art. Additionally and/or alternatively, the stored data may be uploaded to the website during the athletic activity and/or at a later time, eg, using cellular phone technology, wired or wireless computer network connection, satellite transmission, or otherwise.

According to embodiments of the present invention, personal computer 112 may be used in many different ways, and for many different purposes prior to an athletic activity. For example, computer 112 may be used to determine the route used by the athlete, such as whether the athlete is traveling or prefers a different route at his/her local location. As another example, the computer 112 may be used by an athlete, trainer, or coach, possibly in conjunction with map or terrain information, to consider overall route information for athletic activity, and to devise strategies for this activity (e.g., determine timing goals, base or landmark times, split times, etc.). Routes and/or other data or information may be presented to athletes, trainers, coaches, etc. via computer display screen 114 . In at least some cases, display screen 114 may present the same information as displayed or presented by portable/wearable display device 110 . Alternatively, a single device may perform the functions of portable/wearable display device 110 and display screen 114, if desired, without departing from the invention.

Data collected by one or more of the plurality of monitors such as 102, 104, 106, and 108 during an athletic activity may be transmitted to portable display device 110 and/or personal computer 112 during and/or after the activity. As will be described in more detail below, if desired, the portable portion of the system 100 may include a memory that stores data related to the athletic performance, and this data may later be downloaded to the personal computer 112 (e.g., after the performance is complete) for use in For more detailed processing and/or analysis, such as helping athletes, trainers and/or coaches evaluate past behavior, compare behavior, help improve future behavior, design training regimes, design strategies for upcoming competition events, etc. As another example, if desired, one or more portable components of the system 100 (e.g., peripheral device 108, such as a portable phone link or other data transfer device) can transmit data to the personal computer 112 when the athletic activity is taking place, and/or Or data may be received from computer 112 (eg, along with updated split times or lap times, landmarks or other location information, location information about competitors, etc.) from computer 112 while the event is in progress.

More specific examples of sensors, data, and information used by and/or collected in various embodiments of systems and methods according to the present invention are as follows.

2. Multi-sensor system

Several embodiments of systems and methods according to the present invention rely on input data and/or data received from multiple sensors, such as from physiological behavior monitors 102, physical behavior monitors 104, GPS monitors 106, and/or other peripheral devices 108. The input data about motor behavior is shown in Figure 1. Hardware worn or carried by an athlete and/or his/her device during athletic activity (eg, during a race, walk, etc.) may include one or more modules or containers containing one or more desired sensors. Preferably, these modules are battery powered, optionally using rechargeable batteries, and in at least some example systems and methods according to this invention, the modules, containers and/or sensors may include:

● watches, PDAs, MP3s, portable phones or other convenient display devices;

●Heart rate monitor;

- "velocity containers" worn on feet, legs or other body parts to measure speed and/or distance;

a GPS container; and

●Other peripherals such as cellular phone links, audio players, etc. Note that any combination of these sensors and other elements may be included in a single housing. For example, the pod housing may include GPS and accelerometer sensors, and if desired or alternatively, the GPS sensor may reside in its own pod. As further embodiments, the display device may additionally include a magnetic compass, a pressure sensor or other elements.

In systems and methods according to at least some embodiments of the present invention, complementary sensor sets may be used in combination to overcome various disadvantages of individual sensors. For example, GPS alone can provide much of the physical data of interest for monitoring athletic activity, but GPS systems have disadvantages in that they consume considerable power (thus shortening battery life), and they cannot All locations provide information (ie, they do not have 100% antenna coverage). Therefore, systems and methods according to at least some embodiments of the present invention include additional sensors (and in some cases, redundant sensors) to ensure that desired athletic performance data is collected and available, for example, even when some separate system is not available. when used (for example, when the GPS system cannot get a signal and/or in situations where power saving is important). A more detailed embodiment of the supplemental sensor set is described below.

a. Combined GPS and accelerometer-based or other pedometer-based speed and distance monitors

One embodiment of a complementary sensor set that may be included in a system according to the invention involves the combined use of a GPS monitoring system and accelerometer-based or other pedometer-based speed and distance monitors. Conventional GPS systems suffer from satellite outages at different times and/or locations such as around trees, tall buildings, indoors, whenever the antenna is blocked, and the like. Additionally, when a GPS system begins to be powered, there is generally a relatively slow "warm start" or "cold start" satellite search time. GPS systems also tend to use a considerable amount of electrical power to read. On the other hand, accelerometer-based or other pedometer-based speed and distance monitoring systems have the disadvantage of internal system inaccuracies (e.g., due to sensor drift, installation errors, and/or three orthogonal axes of acceleration that are generally not detected fact). Additionally, accelerometer-based or other pedometer-based speed and distance monitoring systems cannot provide absolute position and/or altitude information. Typically, accelerometer- or other pedometer-based speed and distance monitors are calibrated to a specific user and/or installation location, which makes their use difficult and hinders their accuracy under many conditions of use.

In accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, the use of an athletic activity monitoring system incorporating a GPS monitor and an accelerometer-based or other pedometer-based speed and distance monitor provides many potential advantages and avoids or reduces the The impact of shortcomings. For example, a GPS system (and its absolute position detection capability) can be used to calibrate accelerometer- or other pedometer-based speed and distance monitors. Typically, users calibrate existing accelerometer-based or other pedometer-based speed and distance monitors by, for example, running or walking a known distance on a level track. When a known distance has been traveled, the user looks at the distance results measured by the speed and distance monitor as well as the distance the monitor has determined has been traveled (e.g., the monitor may determine that the user moved 410 meters (e.g., based on step size), when when he/she actually runs around the 400m runway). The user then calibrates the speed and distance monitor output by pressing a button to correct the measured length to match the known length, thus setting an internal correction factor within the device. This correction scheme is highly prone to error, for example, because the user's step size typically changes when running, jogging, or walking. Additionally, the size of the user's steps may vary depending on the training situation, eg, uphill, downhill, downwind, headwind, at different heights, at varying heights, at different speeds.

By using GPS assisted calibration, calibration of accelerometer or other pedometer based speed and distance monitors can be performed at any distance and/or any location (as long as GPS satellite coverage is available). As noted above, users typically calibrate accelerometer- or other pedometer-based systems during an outdoor activity on a level track. According to at least some embodiments of the present invention, information collected by GPS satellite monitoring devices may be used to generate correction factors and/or calibration data for use by accelerometer-based or other pedometer-based speed and distance monitors. More specifically, since the GPS system is capable of measuring the absolute distance traveled by an athlete as well as the time required and/or the change in altitude during the movement, the data generated by the GPS can be used to determine Count the speed and distance monitors using correction factors or calibration data. According to this embodiment of the invention, GPS-based data calibration or collection for calibration or correction purposes can be performed at any time, optionally during actual use of the athletic behavior monitoring system and/or even without the user being aware of its context next. Alternatively or alternatively, if desired, the athlete may press a button on the portable portion of the monitoring system or otherwise command the system to collect calibration or correction data. Using GPS data to calibrate and/or generate correction factors for accelerometer- or other pedometer-based speed and distance monitors simplifies calibration of these devices (e.g., does not require special walking and/or scheduling on a runway Accurately measured distances to achieve calibration), and improved accuracy.

Additionally or alternatively, in at least some embodiments of systems and methods according to the present invention, GPS-based monitoring for accelerometer-based or other pedometer-based speed and distance monitors can be performed under a variety of different conditions of use. Calibration and/or correction factor data generation, for example, calibration data or correction factors can be generated for different speeds of movement, for uphill movement, for downhill movement, for different wind speeds, for different Downwind, for any specific type of condition where the size of the user's footsteps can vary, etc. Additionally, such correction factors and/or calibration data may be collected in the context, over time, as the athlete continues to use the athletic performance monitoring system. In this way, a "look-up table" or other "universe" or library of calibration data or correction factors can be created or stored in the monitoring system (optionally in a portable portion of the system) so that appropriate Correction factors can be generated and applied to a full range of motion speeds and/or other usage conditions. A microprocessor provided with the system (optionally in a portable portion of the system, in a personal computer, etc.) can be programmed to interpolate between and/or extrapolate from known calibration or correction factors Get the most appropriate calibration or correction factor for any speed or other usage condition. Also, in this way, different calibration or correction factors can be used at different times during a single motor activity, for example based on speed or other usage conditions determined at a given time during the activity, to further help improve the speed and distance monitor overall accuracy. By having a variety of corrections or calibration factors available under different behavioral conditions, the speed and distance monitor output tends to become more accurate, especially over time and with increased use, as the The increase in use results in an increased number of calibration and correction factors.

Therefore, using data generated by GPS to generate calibration or correction factors for pedometer-based speed and distance speed, in different wind or terrain conditions, etc.) when using the monitor. In this way, when the GPS system loses its signal and/or at any other suitable or desired time during athletic activity when the GPS output is not sampled, relatively low-cost pedometers can be relied upon to accurately fill in the lost speed and distance data.

Additionally or alternatively, since accelerometer-based or other pedometer-based speed and distance monitor systems generally do not require as much battery power as would be required when taking readings from a GPS-based system, accelerometer-based or other pedometer-based Pedometer based speed and distance monitors can be sampled more frequently to save power. Additionally, data from accelerometer- or other pedometer-based speed and distance monitors can be obtained sooner and more frequently, thus providing the user with more "responsive" instantaneous speed change information. Accelerometer- or other pedometer-based speed and distance monitors may also provide some information not available from GPS-based systems, such as step counts.

As an additional example, in systems and methods according to at least some embodiments of the present invention, it may be desirable to provide athletic activity monitoring systems and methods that obtain all "real-time" speed and distance information from accelerometers or pedometers (e.g. , information displayed to the athlete on said portable display device during the event) instead of using GPS to provide real-time information. In such systems, GPS monitors may periodically operate in the background, eg recording position and altitude tracking point data in memory. After the behavior is completed (e.g., after data related to the behavior is downloaded to a personal computer), GPS data is available for analysis, optionally with data from pedometer-based speed and distance monitors (optionally with other map data, altitude data, and/or other input information). In such a system, GPS data can be sampled less frequently, thus saving power, while still providing continuous and sufficiently accurate speed and distance information to the athlete in real time from an accelerometer or other pedometer-based system, which is Because accelerometers or other pedometer-based systems are less susceptible to antenna or transmit/receive issues.

b. Combined GPS or other speed and distance monitor with barometric pressure sensor

Additional examples of complementary sensor sets that may be included in a single system according to at least some embodiments of the present invention involve the combination of a GPS monitoring system (or accelerometer or other pedometer-based speed and distance monitor) with an air pressure sensor. Use in combination. Although barometric pressure sensors can determine atmospheric pressure at different locations (such as when an athlete is exercising) and/or changes in pressure with time and/or movement, and although such atmospheric pressure can be correlated with altitude, barometric pressure sensors alone cannot distinguish between Pressure changes between sources. For example, a barometric pressure sensor cannot identify whether a change in pressure occurs due to a change in weather and/or atmospheric conditions, a change in user altitude, or the like. Although the GPS system provides altitude data, at least in some embodiments, this altitude data may generally be somewhat inaccurate. Traditional GPS systems do not monitor the weather.

A monitoring system including GPS and barometric pressure sensors may allow for a more accurate determination of whether an experienced change in atmospheric pressure is due to a change in altitude or a change in weather. For example, if the GPS system indicates that the athlete is not moving or otherwise changing altitude, the system can attribute all changes in barometric pressure to weather-related changes (and optionally warn the user of possible impending weather changes). This combined system makes more accurate weather predictions during sports activities. The opposite effect is also true. A barometric sensor based altimeter can provide more accurate altitude data if data from a GPS system (which has some altitude measurement capability) allows the pressure sensor system to determine pressure changes due to weather.

Additionally, currently available barometric pressure-based altitude sensors must be calibrated. However, the use of such sensors in conjunction with a GPS system may obviate the need for the user to perform this calibration. For example, when available or sometimes, altitude data from a GPS system may be used to calibrate the altitude determined by the barometric pressure-based altitude sensor. Additionally or alternatively, using the movement distance or altitude change data determined by the GPS system, calibration data or "zero-drift" correction data for the barometric sensor may be generated. The calibration data may be collected and/or used in the context without active user interaction. In these ways, the GPS data can help to null the drift typically experienced by barometric sensors, thus making their output more accurate.

The complementary device combination does not require a GPS sensor, at least not in all embodiments of the invention. Accelerometer-based or other pedometer-based speed and distance monitors could also be used in similar fashion with barometric pressure sensors. For example, if the speed and distance monitor indicates that the user has not moved a significant distance (or at all), but a pressure change is detected by the system, then this pressure change may be due to a weather change rather than an altitude change. In at least some cases, such information can also be used to correct or "zero" the drift typically experienced by barometric altitude sensors, thus making their output more accurate.

c. Combination of GPS and bicycle (or other) speedometer

Athletic activity monitoring systems and methods according to embodiments of the present invention are not limited to use for running or walking type of athletic activity (eg, an activity in which data can be collected using a pedometer). A further embodiment of a supplementary sensor set that may be included in a single system or method according to the invention involves the combined use of a GPS monitoring system with a traditional speedometer, such as that on a bicycle. Traditional speedometers provide accurate speed and distance data, but they do not provide altitude or absolute position information. On the other hand, the GPS system provides speed, distance, altitude and absolute position information, but as mentioned above, it sometimes suffers from outages due to loss of satellite signals, it consumes considerable battery power, etc. Combinations of these systems can be used to provide speed, distance, altitude and position data, and speedometers can be relied upon to provide speed and distance information to athletes, such as when the GPS system is not getting a signal, etc. Additionally, if desired, the GPS system can be used sparingly or periodically to conserve battery power, and the speedometer system can be used frequently (or at least more frequently) to provide athletes with real-time speed and distance information. If desired, systems and methods according to some embodiments of the present invention may completely store all GPS data during an athletic activity for later downloading, analysis, and the like.

If desired, the system and method according to this exemplary combination of the present invention can also use GPS data to provide calibration data and/or correction factors for the speedometer, optionally under a variety of different conditions of use, such as Speedometers as described above, under different tire pressure conditions, under different tire size conditions.

d. Combined GPS, speed and distance monitor and magnetic compass

As described above in connection with Figure 1, any number of sensors may be used in combination without departing from the invention. Additional embodiments of complementary sensor sets that may be included in a single system or method according to the invention include the combined use of GPS monitoring systems, accelerometer or other pedometer based speed and distance monitors and magnetic compasses.

In conventional GPS systems, when a GPS receiver loses a tracking point (e.g., due to said receiver being blocked, power-on interruption, etc.), the collected data produces a straight line at successive known GPS sampling points, regardless of the period The actual direction the GPS receiver is moving. The system and method according to this embodiment of the invention can more accurately determine an athlete's absolute location, even when GPS signal or data is lost for any reason. Using the speed and distance monitor data and the compass data, the system can continue to provide speed, distance and flight direction data. Therefore, when/if the GPS receiver loses its signal (or if it does not acquire a signal for some time, for example due to power saving reasons), the athletic activity monitoring system and method according to this embodiment can still use other sensor outputs to Changes in player position are determined to fill in "holes" and provide actual player road data until GPS signals are reacquired or otherwise sampled again.

e. Combined speed and distance monitor (from GPS, accelerometer or other pedometer), altitude (from GPS, barometer or map data) and heart rate monitor

Additional examples of combinations of supplemental sensors that may be used in athletic activity monitoring systems and methods according to at least some embodiments of the present invention include combined altitude sensors (based on GPS or barometric pressure), heart rate monitors, and speed and distance monitors (based on GPS, accelerometer or other pedometer). Currently available heart rate monitors display "real time" heart rate data and may store at least some of the data in memory for future analysis. Additionally, some currently available systems may store at least some speed and/or distance data. The important missing piece of data is height. When examining the stored data, the athlete, trainer or coach may find that the athlete's heart rate has increased and/or his/her speed has slowed, but usually they cannot determine from the stored data whether these facts are physical symptoms results, or whether the athlete actually climbed the steep hill, etc. By combining altitude data with heart rate and speed and distance data, an athlete, trainer or coach can obtain a more complete picture of an athlete's workout regime and better determine the physical causes behind changes in heart rate, pace, etc.

3. Exemplary Software/Data Processing Aspects

Aspects of systems and methods according to embodiments of the invention relate to software features that may be used to operate the system, control the method, and/or process collected data. Although the following discussion focuses on data analysis using a personal computer and application programs stored or available on the personal computer, those skilled in the art will recognize that any or all such analysis may be performed on any suitable or Desired devices, such as devices with displays, include cellular phones, audio players (eg, MP3 players, cassette players, CD players, etc.), PDAs, watches, bicycle mounted displays, televisions, and the like.

Systems and methods according to embodiments of the present invention that include GPS monitors may use automatic route recognition and logging features. As noted above, the GPS system can be used to track multiple locations or location waypoints of a GPS receiver along the route of movement of an athlete during an athletic activity. After a workout, for example when an athlete synchronizes the portable portion of the monitor's system hardware with a personal computer, GPS waypoints from the stored behavior can be downloaded from the portable device's memory to the personal computer if necessary (e.g., If desired, systems and methods according to some embodiments of the invention may allow more than one route to be stored on the portable device (representing more than one athletic activity) between downloads to the personal computer. Software on the personal computer may attempt to relate the route (e.g., location or location data set) used during the activity to previous routes stored on the computer, e.g. Data on the computer and the marked route.

As a more specific example, an athlete may run around a local lake several times a week. For the first time, the sports behavior monitoring system according to this embodiment of the present invention is used in this "lake route", and the collection of GPS tracking points including running will be stored on the personal computer, and can be marked by the user as, for example, "lake route". route". The next time an athlete uses the behavior monitoring system to run along the "lake route" or another trip, the software on the PC compares the waypoints for this run with all the waypoints on the route stored on the PC to determine Determine if there is a match (eg, will try to find any close matches on the route). Then, after the user confirms that the correct route identification is assigned to the most recently run route, the software will appropriately mark or list the most recently run route in the athlete's running log or calendar. The software also identifies any new routes or routes that do not match routes in the existing library, and asks the user to enter a name from an existing list of routes or to be included as a new route in the list of routes. Such systems and methods allow a user to quickly populate a race calendar or log with meaningful race titles for the various courses they take.

Additional exemplary software/data processing aspects of systems and methods according to at least some embodiments of the present invention relate to the ability to add sensor data to the route concept generally described above. For example, systems and methods according to at least some embodiments of the present invention may allow a user to incorporate physical or physiological sensor data into a personal computer database that includes data related to athletic activity, routes, and the like. Such physical or physiological data may include, for example: weather condition data (temperature, pressure, precipitation, wind speed, wind direction, etc.); athlete speed data; time data; altitude data; lap timing data between landmarks or benchmarks; heart rate Or pulse rate data; body temperature data; blood pressure data, etc. After a route is identified (e.g., based on GPS data, user input data, etc.), systems and methods according to embodiments of the present invention may allow a user to easily process, sort and/or display any desired information related to this particular route, For example, the best time on this route, the fastest time to a landmark, the fastest split times, etc.

Such data may be stored in any suitable or desired form or format, eg, as part of a conventional spreadsheet or other searchable and/or sortable form or format. Using at least some embodiments of such systems and methods, a user can collect behavior stored on a computer (or, if desired, on a portable device), and perform desired classifications, such as:

■Fastest "Lake Route" for outside temperatures above 80 degrees

■Fastest "Lake Route" before 9am

Average number of "Lake Routes" during the first half when average heart rate exceeds 150

■The fastest "lake route" when running to the "middle of the mountains" is less than 10 minutes

The availability of GPS data provides systems and methods according to at least some embodiments of the present invention with additional potential software/data processing capabilities related to route information. For example, based on GPS data and/or other data collected during the activity (such as data about route distance, altitude, elevation change (e.g., hilly), maximum elevation gain or change, outdoor temperature, humidity, etc.), according to Systems and methods of embodiments of the present invention may assign a "difficulty level" of a route to a new route, for example, when the new route is identified as above. Optionally, if desired, systems and methods according to embodiments of the present invention can grade the difficulty of new routes based at least in part on or take into account difficulty (or data) associated with existing routes in the athlete's record, predetermined criteria , the athlete's physiological data (such as heart rate or pulse rate) related to this course compared to other courses, user's subjective input and/or any other suitable or desired basis. If desired, systems and methods in accordance with the present invention can determine and display one or more "difficulty levels" for various routes and/or specific actions on said routes, and optionally scale each aspect's difficulty (e.g., 1 - 10 levels, 10 being the most difficult) rating. Exemplary rankings for a particular route may include flat=1; long=8; height=4;

The stored route data can also be used in a variety of ways by the athlete, their coaches and/or trainers prior to the athletic performance. For example, systems and methods in accordance with at least some embodiments of this invention may provide athletes with a "route play list" prior to commencing a workout or training program. Such systems and methods further may allow user input regarding a desired workout or level of difficulty, and then determine a route from a universe of stored routes previously entered by the athlete (or others). For example, based on user input requesting a specific difficulty level or some other parameter (such as input including approximate route length, route location, route elevation change (hilly, flat, etc.), etc.), systems according to embodiments of the present invention and The method may recommend a route that matches or most closely matches the input requested by the user. As a more specific example, a user may input data requests such as: an easy 7-mile course, a flat 10-mile course, a 5-mile approach to downtown, a hilly race in Seattle, etc.

The universe or library of courses on the course "race list" need not be limited to courses previously traveled by an athlete. For example, in at least some systems and methods in accordance with the present invention, data from routes used by multiple users may be combined in the universe of available routes, and the systems and methods may be based on user-requested input from this larger available Select one or more potential routes for the user from the universe of routes utilized. As an example, a computer network, such as the Internet or the World Wide Web, may be used to store a large field of potential route entries from multiple users. Such systems and methods may be used, for example, to suggest new routes to a user, such as routes to use during travel, and the like. If desired, systems and methods according to at least some embodiments of the present invention may provide maps, directions, and/or other more detailed route information (e.g., on portable display devices). As an additional example, systems and methods according to the present invention may design routes that satisfy user input requests based on map data or information, as opposed to merely selecting a route from previous actions.

Additionally, systems and methods according to the present invention may be used to compare input data related to individual players, and to determine player "preferences" from this data. For example, systems and methods according to embodiments of the invention may determine that a person likes to run about 6 miles during the work week, but s/he runs longer (eg, about 10 miles) on weekends. The systems and methods may also determine general height changes related to an individual athlete's general workout (eg, hilly versus flat). As an additional example, from map or GPS data, systems and methods according to at least some embodiments may determine other characteristics associated with general exercise (eg, around water, in a park, through woods, etc.). From this "preference" data or information, systems and methods according to at least some embodiments of the present invention may also suggest new (or previously used) route. Such information may be conveniently used during travel to locate routes with player preferences and/or familiar features.

As another example, from input data related to an individual's past behavior, systems and methods in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention may automatically recommend routes, other exercise programs, or features of an exercise program to an individual. For example, systems and methods according to some embodiments of the invention may note that an individual has several consecutive hard workout days (eg, based on total miles, heart rate measurements, altitude data, etc.). From this data, the system can suggest an appropriate future exercise program (eg, including routes, desired activities, target times, etc.). Any desired algorithm may be used to determine when a system and/or method according to the present invention may be activated to suggest a new or different route or exercise program. Such systems and methods may be useful as tools to help prevent injury and/or overtraining.

4. Multimedia aspects using sensor input

Additional aspects that may be utilized in at least some embodiments of systems and methods according to the present invention relate to media playback devices that use input provided from one or more GPS monitors, physical monitors, and/or physiological monitors to Determine at least in part the content of the printed, audio and/or visual output provided to the user during the athletic activity. Any type of printing, audio and/or video display device such as MP3 players, video devices, audio devices, cellular phones, PDAs, pagers, pagers, etc. may be used in this aspect of the invention. In at least some embodiments of the invention, this printing, audio and/or video display device forms the portable/wearable display device 110 described above in connection with FIG. 1 .

As a more specific example, systems and methods according to at least some embodiments of this invention may use output from one or more sensors (eg, accelerometers, GPS monitors, altimeters, barometers, etc.) Behavioral data such as the player's movement speed is proportional to the media playback speed. For example, a song tempo may be selected or adjusted to synchronize with the user's movement speed (eg, a song tempo may be selected or adjusted to match the user's footstep tempo). In some cases, the song tempo may be sped up or slowed down as needed to match (or substantially match) the user's footstep tempo. In other embodiments, systems and methods according to embodiments of the present invention may select songs from a playlist that have a tempo that matches (or substantially matches) the user's footsteps. Any desired manner of synchronizing songs and foot tempos and/or otherwise selecting songs with a desired tempo may be used without departing from this invention.

As an additional example, using map data, historical altitude information, barometric pressure information, or GPS information, an audio or video player in communication with systems and methods according to the present invention may be programmed or receive input to A "momentum-boosting" song or video clip is produced during the route portion of the route. As additional examples, songs or video clips (or video clips) may be selected from a playlist based on one or more factors associated with the athletic activity, such as time or distance on the route, type of terrain encountered, altitude or altitude, etc. other audio/video output). In some exemplary systems and methods, a user may categorize some songs (or other audio/visual data) in a playlist or library as "uphill songs," "quick-paced songs," "easy slow-paced songs," etc. , the systems and methods may then select an appropriate song (or other audio/video data) from the sorted playlist based on real-time sensor input as the motor activity occurs.

Additional exemplary aspects of the invention relate to the use of systems and methods that provide audio and/or video playback based on location along a route. Such systems and methods may use GPS location coordinates (or other location data) to select audio and/or video selections based on proximity to a particular location. In at least some embodiments of such systems and methods, a user may pre-program specific songs or playlists associated with specific locations. For example, assume an athlete runs a particular route three times a week. The athlete can program audio and/or video equipment associated with systems and methods according to the present invention (e.g., a GPS-equipped system) to whenever he or she arrives at a particular location, such as whenever he or she arrives at a lake's Play a specific song and/or video clip from a specific playlist when going north, at a specific intersection, in front of a specific building, at the top of a staircase, etc. As an additional example, systems and methods in accordance with at least some embodiments of this invention may provide historical, touristic, or other interesting information to users along a route, eg, depending on the location along the route. Such a system may be of particular interest and useful to the user when traveling.

Audio and/or video output may be controlled and altered in reliance on any suitable or desired sensor output and/or user action, such as triggering a song or video clip from a playlist, without departing from aspects of the invention. For example, systems and methods according to at least some embodiments of the present invention may be programmed to play a slow or relaxing song or video display to alert the athlete in certain situations, such as if the athlete's heart rate or pulse rate exceeds 150 beats per minute Relax or reduce speed. As an additional example, if it is determined to be near the end of a route or race (eg, using GPS, odometer, or pedometer information), an up-tempo song and/or video clip may be provided to prompt the athlete to aim for a strong finish. As an additional example, a specified time within the athletic activity may be used to trigger selected audio and/or video output. For example, if the athlete has been running for more than two hours, systems and methods according to aspects of the present invention may be programmed to select or purchase a "motivation-boosting" playlist from the athlete in advance (or alternatively, from the system or method maintains a playlist without user input) selects one or more songs (or other data) for playback.

The audio and/or video output is not limited to commercially or publicly available songs, video clips, etc. Rather, systems and methods according to the present invention may play back or display any desired audio, video, and/or printed information without departing from the invention. For example, systems and methods according to the present invention may be provided with a series of pre-recorded messages or other feedback responses provided based on sensor outputs and triggers. Alternatively, the audio and/or video data may be recorded and/or downloaded by the user into the system or method from other sources. Exemplary messages may include "water station ahead"; "race mile finish ahead", "approaching first aid station", a message from a coach or trainer, etc. GPS sensors can trigger these messages at the appropriate time (and optionally, if desired, provide map or directional information to help athletes find recorded landmarks or reference locations). In one implementation, this type of message can be recorded in MP3 format and played like any other song, based on sensor triggers as described above.

Various other information and feedback may be provided in accordance with embodiments of the invention. For example, systems and methods according to some embodiments of the invention may provide audio, visual, paging or other information when physical or physiological conditions (eg, heart rate) fall above or below preselected parameters or ranges. As further examples, safety or other information may be provided to, for example, suggest to the user that a turn is approaching; a change in terrain; speeding for approaching terrain, slopes, or other conditions (e.g., if a bicycle is approaching a turn too quickly); the transmission of the bicycle Device information (e.g., implied gear for fast, incline, or other approaching conditions; targets to be met, etc.); etc. If a desired parameter must be detected, the user's body, bicycle or other device may be equipped with suitable sensors to provide the desired physical and/or physiological data.

Feedback provided to users is not limited to audio, video, or printed information. For example, vibratory or other tactile feedback may be provided to the user if desired, eg, by vibrating or other elements provided in the measurement device, in footwear, in clothing, or the like. Such vibration or other feedback devices may be programmed to provide an output to the user whenever desired, for example whenever some physical or physiological condition exists or is measured.

Additional options available in accordance with at least some example systems and methods of this invention relate to the use of wireless, "hands-free" or other non-contact control of the systems (eg, audio, video, and/or other display or feedback devices). For example, accelerometers mounted on the hands or arms (e.g., on bracelets, rings, etc.) can be used to activate, control volume, change lanes or stations, or otherwise alter the operation of audio or video display devices carried by athletes during athletic performance. model. By waving the hand or arm (or by some other suitable motion), output from an accelerometer (or other motion detection or similar device) mounted on the arm or hand can be used to activate and/or control audio, video or other displays or feedback device. Removing the need for "manual" controls (e.g., activation, changing volume, changing channel, changing mode, etc.) is useful to athletes during athletic performance to avoid diverting their attention or focus from said behavior, and to avoid The need to locate and operate small controls typically associated with small electronic devices. As an additional example, voice or other audio commands may be used to control audio, video, or other display or feedback devices in a "hands-free" manner, if desired.

5. Exemplary data processing, display and visualization

Additional aspects of the invention relate to post-performance analysis and processing, including analysis and processing of performance data collected during athletic performance. Additionally, aspects of the invention relate to display and/or visualization for use in at least some example aspects of systems and methods according to the invention. Although any type of sensor data and/or combination of sensor data may be provided on the visual display without departing from the invention, and although the input data may be analyzed and processed in any desired manner without departing from the invention, However, various specific embodiments of processing and data display are described in more detail below. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these more specific descriptions are merely examples of suitable processing, analysis and display useful in accordance with the present invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that all of the displays described below may be provided as part of any suitable or desired display device or system, including displays on portable and non-portable devices such as those used in personal computers, cellular phones, Display devices for PDAs, music or video players, monitors mounted on bicycles, etc.

a. Two-dimensional graphic display

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary display or screen shot 200 that may provide data and information to an athlete, their coach, and/or their trainers, in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention. This screenshot 200 may be provided as part of any suitable display device or system, such as from a personal computer, a cell phone display, a PDA device, a music or video player, a bicycle mounted display, or any portable or desired device.

The physical and/or physiological sensors required to generate the graphics in display 200 shown in FIG. 2 include: (a) distance, clock and/or timing sensors; (b) heart rate monitors (for heart rate versus distance data); (c) speed and/or distance measuring devices (eg, accelerometer or pedometer-based or GPS-based); and (d) altitude information sources (eg, GPS-based, barometric sensor-based, terrain map data-based, etc.). As some more specific examples, the system may include only a GPS monitor and a heart rate monitor, or may include a combination of a heart rate monitor, an accelerometer-based or other pedometer-based speed and distance monitor, and a barometric altitude sensor .

Any number of screens or displays may be created to provide desired data and information to the user without departing from the invention. Optionally, in at least some embodiments, including the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a single screen may provide data and information related to a variety of parameters. For example, screenshot 200 of FIG. 2 simultaneously displays: (a) heart rate versus distance (or time) data (curve 202); (b) energy versus distance (or time) data (curve 204); (c) speed versus distance (curve 204); or time) data (curve 206); and (d) altitude versus distance (or time) data (curve 208). In the illustrated embodiment, distance (or time) may be plotted along one of the axes (eg, in miles along horizontal axis 210 ), and one or more other desired parameters may be plotted along the other axis.

Optionally, individual display of any desired data sets or parameters may be enabled and/or disabled in any suitable manner. For example, at the time specifically shown in FIG. 2, the left vertical axis 212 is plotted for altitude data, and the right vertical axis 214 is plotted for speed data (e.g., in minutes per mile, miles per hour, thousand per hour). rice, etc.). The displayed data (for speed and altitude, respectively) can be changed in any desired manner, such as by activating one of the currently inactive software audio buttons 216 or 218 to actively display the axes for heart rate or energy, respectively. Audio buttons 220 and 222 are shown with dashed lines in FIG. 2 to indicate that the Y-axis corresponding to these buttons is actively displayed).

As a further potential option, without departing from the invention, axis and/or coordinate markers for all parameters (such as heart rate, energy, speed and altitude in this embodiment) could be displayed all the time at the same time without using a switchable display. As additional examples, pull down menus, toolbar items or menus, right mouse button clicks, etc. may be used to effectuate switching between different data sets and/or coordinate axes displayed without departing from the invention. Any manner of switching the display device 200 to provide other possible data, axes or parameters may be used without departing from the invention.

b. Two-dimensional display with map data

3 illustrates additional embodiments of processing and/or displaying athletic activity data in systems and methods according to at least some embodiments of the present invention. In this embodiment, the screenshot and display 300 provides at least some data about the athletic activity superimposed on (or otherwise provided on) two-dimensional map data corresponding to the locations where the athletic activity occurred. Of course, data regarding multiple athletic activities may be simultaneously displayed or otherwise available in the display of screen shot 300 without departing from the invention. General basic map data of this type are known and publicly available to those skilled in the art.

For the display 300 shown in FIG. 3, the sensors or monitors used to generate the display 300 include: (a) distance, clock and/or timing sensors; (b) heart rate monitor (for heart rate data); (c) speed and/or distance measuring devices (e.g., accelerometer or pedometer-based or GPS-based); and (d) sources of altitude information (e.g., GPS-based, barometric sensor-based, terrain map data-based, etc.); and (e) directions Information sources (eg compass, GPS, etc.). Any combination of monitors or devices may be used to provide the data without departing from the invention.

This exemplary display 300 includes at least three general areas of interest. First, the map display area 302 displays a route 304 traveled during the athletic activity, which is superimposed on a conventional map. This display area 302 (or other areas on the display 300) may further include a clock or timer 306 that displays any desired time information, such as the actual current time, the cursor or icon 308 corresponding to when the player is on the map. The moment of time at the time of the position, the time consumed by the movement behavior, etc. Of course, other information may be included in map display area 302, if desired, without departing from the invention, such as map scale data, multiple timers 306, multiple icons (representing multiple activities), multiple routes, etc.

The display 300 further includes a behavior data display area 310 . This area 310 includes a "Measurement Type" display that simultaneously displays data related to various physiological and/or physical parameters related to motor activity. For example, display area 310 displays "measurements" corresponding to the measured athlete's heart rate, energy output, speed, and direction (or "flight direction"). Although not shown in FIG. 3 , the measurements provided in display area 310 may include numerical labels (or other suitable indicia) to provide the user with measured data information. Of course, any desired manner of displaying the behavioral data may be used without departing from the invention. As further examples, one or more scales, numerical displays, or numerical measurements (eg, displays or measurements including measured data) may be presented in display area 310, wherein the displayed data corresponding to the displays, measurements, etc. Data collected at the location of the computer cursor or input device within display area 302 . As a further example, instead of the analog measurement display shown in FIG. 3 , a digital display of all times or a digital measurement could be provided. Any desired means of displaying physiological and/or physical data of measured behavior may be used without departing from the invention.

In at least some cases and/or in some modes of operation, the data displayed by the measurements of display area 310 corresponds to the data measured at the location of icon 308 in map display area 302 . If no data is available for a location that exactly corresponds to the location of icon 308, systems and methods according to embodiments of the invention may handle this situation in any suitable or desired manner without departing from the invention. For example, a particular measurement in measurement display area 310 may be left blank or displayed with no data, the measurement may display data available from the closest reachable location, and may display data from the closest reachable location , the location is within a predetermined time or distance range from the location of the icon 308 , and the like. Of course, the user can selectively turn on or off various measurements or displays if desired, eg, using audio buttons, toolbar menus, pull-down menus, right-clicking, and the like. Additionally, the user may be given the option to display parameters in area 310, if desired.

The display 300 further includes a two-dimensional graphics area 312 that displays data related to a graph of motor activity versus distance (or time) during the activity. While any measured parameter or set of parameters may be displayed in area 312, the illustrated embodiment displays altitude as a function of distance along the route. Optionally, systems and methods according to at least some embodiments of the present invention may allow periodic switching between a plurality of different and available parameters based on predetermined algorithms, based on user input, based on instantaneous user selection, etc., eg, over time. The location of the icon 308 in the map display area 302 is marked within the two-dimensional graphics area 312 using a bar icon 314, although any desired marking (or no marking at all) could be used without departing from the invention. As an additional example, the horizontal scale 316 of the two-dimensional display area 312 can match the scale and location of the map area 302 so that the data when horizontally across the two-dimensional display area 312 matches the x-coordinate location of the map area 302 (because the route 304 Overlap in the x-coordinate direction (for example, in this embodiment, the route is a circular path), so the two-dimensional area 312, for example, through different graphics, through different colors, through different display areas 312, etc., can provide a pair and each time Access to the appropriate data corresponding to a player passing through a particular X-coordinate point on the map data without departing from the invention).

As an additional example feature, systems and methods in accordance with at least some embodiments of this invention allow a user to manually place icon 308 at any location along route 304, and the system automatically displays data related to this location, such as: (a ) time along route 304 (e.g., at clock 306); (b) distance along route 304 (e.g., using bar icon 314 and horizontal scale 316); (c) physical and/or physiological data related to this location (eg, in areas 310 and/or 312); etc. In such an embodiment, when the cursor or icon 308 is placed at a particular location along the route 304, various data displays (such as the time, distance, physical and/or physiological data described above) can quickly "snap" at that location. corresponding data. As an additional example, merely moving a mouse cursor or other input device (eg, not clicking a mouse button to move icon 308 ) over a portion of route 304 may at least temporarily cause data for that location to be displayed.

As an additional exemplary feature, as the icon 308 automatically moves and advances along the route 304, such as with animation, data related to the athletic activity (such as the time, distance, physical and/or physiological data described above) can be displayed and changed to correspond at various locations along the route 304 of the map. For example, activating the "play" button 318 can be used to move the icon 308 along the route 304 (e.g., in real time, in an accelerated manner, in a slow manner, in various combinations, etc.), is displayed and changed as the position of the icon 308 changes. In effect, the icon 308 on the map area 302 becomes a "virtual glider". Additionally, the icon bar 314 in the two-dimensional display area 312 may be used to display the progress of the virtual glider in the display area 312 (eg, by moving the icon bar 314 along the height graph in the illustrated embodiment).

Of course, those skilled in the art should understand that many changes and changes can be made to the specific information displayed, its display form or format, etc., without departing from the present invention.

c. Three-dimensional display of routes and other behavioral data

4 illustrates additional embodiments of processing and/or display of athletic activity data in systems and methods according to at least some embodiments of the present invention. In this embodiment, the screenshot or display 400 provides a graphical representation of the route 402 with at least relative altitude information provided by a three-dimensional topographical display of the route 402 that at least generally shows the distance along the route 402. Altitude changes. In order to provide the raw data used to set up and display the display 400 shown in Figure 4, the athletic behavior monitoring system, for example, monitors and/or provides the absolute position and height to time (or distance) period (or frequency) data. In at least some embodiments, the points of intersection of routes 402 may be "established" or determined by a computer system by obtaining intersection points of said routes using terrain data corresponding to positions along the route (e.g., from terrain map data, altitude sensors, GPS data, etc.). A three-dimensional view of route 402 as shown on display 400 of FIG. 4 .

As shown in FIG. 4, the three-dimensional route display 400 is not limited to providing only general route and terrain data. Rather, additional information about locomotion behavior may be included into the terrain or three-dimensional route 402 . Any measured athletic performance data, such as the measured time, distance, physical and/or physiological data described above, may be included in the display 400 without departing from the invention. As a more specific example, three-dimensional route 402 may be color-coded, shaded, or otherwise marked in display 400 to illustrate changes in parameters measured along route 402 during the athletic activity. FIG. 4 shows four available measurement parameters related to motor activity, represented on display 400 by lines 402 . Specifically, software audio buttons 404, 406, 408, and 410 are provided to allow the user to toggle the displayed color-coded data on route 402 among the multiple measured parameters available for display (e.g., in the illustrated implementation switch between altitude, heart rate, speed and cadence in the example). By selecting a different data set (by activating one of the audio buttons 404, 406, 408, or 410), the color (or other characteristics) of the route 402 will change to correspond to the measured parameters related to motor behavior or the other data (if any). For example, if the user clicks on heart rate audio button 406, the top surface of route 402 changes color (or other feature) based on key 406a to indicate the athlete's heart rate measured at that particular location. For example, said surface of route 402 may be yellow when the athlete's heart rate exceeds 170 beats per minute ("bpm") during athletic activity, red when in the 150-170 bpm range, and red when in the 120-150 bpm range. Green when in range, and blue when below 120 bpm, and at key 406a, these criteria are available to the user (other keys 404a, 408a and 410a are provided for other displayable parameters). User selection of the additional audio buttons 402, 408 or 410 will automatically change the route color, if necessary, to correspond to the data for the measured parameter.

If desired, icons 412 can be provided along the route 402, and data about the athletic performance, such as measured time, distance, physical and/or physiological data, can be replayed in an "animated" manner as described above in connection with FIG. 3 (e.g., By activating the "Play" button 414, etc.).

Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are possible in this type of display 400 without departing from the invention. For example, other ways of switching between displays of different parameters may be used without departing from the invention, such as through the use of pull-down menus, other menus, toolbar items, right mouse clicks, and the like. As an alternative embodiment, more than one parameter at a time may be displayed on route 402 if desired (eg, by color coding multiple vertical layers along the route, providing additional analog or digital measurements, etc.). As an additional example, the display 400 may be configured to periodically and/or automatically switch the parameter being displayed. Many other display alternatives or options may be used without departing from the invention.

d. Terrain map display of routes and other behavioral data

5 illustrates an additional embodiment of processing and/or display of athletic activity data in systems and methods according to at least some embodiments of the present invention. In at least some aspects, this embodiment includes a conceptual combination of the displays shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 to provide a three-dimensional elevation model or representation of an athlete's route. More specifically, the screen shot or display 500 in FIG. 5 provides a three-dimensional or topographical map 502 as a background, and a route 504 used during an athletic activity (or activities) is added (or otherwise set) in the The map data of the data collected during the conduct.

The display 500 further includes a behavioral data display area 506 . This area 506, like area 310 described above in connection with FIG. 3, may include a "measurement type" display that simultaneously displays various measured physiological and/or physical parameters related to motor activity. For example, display area 506 displays "measurements" corresponding to the measured heart rate, energy output, speed, and altitude of the athlete. This display area 506 may take a variety of different forms and formats and provide a variety of different information, such as the form, format, and/or information provided in area 310 as described above in connection with FIG. 3 .

Additionally, as described above in connection with FIG. 3 , display area 506 of FIG. 5 may be used to display data related to athletic activity at the location of icon 508 disposed along route 504 . The position of icon 508 along route 504 may be changed in any desired manner without departing from the invention, and for example data displayed in display area 506 corresponds to data measured at or near the position of icon 508 along route 504 . For example, in the manner described in more detail above in connection with FIG. 3 , the user can selectively place the icon 508 at an appropriate location along the route 504 (e.g., using a mouse or other input device), and an "animation" process can be used along the route ( The button 508 is automatically moved, for example, by activating the play button 510), and the like.

Display 500 of FIG. 5 illustrates some additional features that may be included in systems and methods (including any of the various displays, systems, and/or methods described above and described below) in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention. In particular, this exemplary display 500 includes a toolbar area 512 that allows easy access to various functions related to the display, system and/or method. For example, toolbar area 512 may provide a variety of features corresponding to tools provided in conventional map and/or three-dimensional computer-aided design ("CAD") applications. As a more specific example, by using the resize, zoom, spin, and rotate tools of toolbar area 512, the user can manipulate the form and format of the displayed map. Such functionality is generally available, for example, in said map and CAD technologies.

Of course, any desired data and/or information may be included in display 500 without departing from the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensors and/or monitors needed to generate display 500 include: heart rate monitors (for heart rate versus time, distance, or location data); location measurement devices (e.g., GPS, accelerometer, or other pedometer-based systems); and sources of altitude information (eg, GPS, barometric pressure sensors, terrain map data, etc.). As a more specific example of using GPS data, when downloading GPS waypoints for athletic activity, the application software can be adapted to download data from any suitable source of map data, such as CD, hard drive, or the Internet (or other network) ), including further downloading of relevant terrain map data covering the area of route 504 from conventional and/or commercial sources, optionally together with some additional data (eg, half a mile around the perimeter of 504). Since the complete motion behavior is bounded by the measured GPS coordinates, the systems and methods according to the present invention are able to locate and/or download relevant map area data.

The terrain map data can then be used to build a three-dimensional terrain model. The route 504 taken by this terrain is then overlaid or added to the map in visible color. Additionally, if desired, as shown in connection with FIG. 4 , multiple colors may be used on the surface of route 504 to indicate time, distance, physical and/or physiological parameters.

If desired, additional or alternative data may be included in map representation 500 without departing from the invention. For example, information specific to a particular athletic activity or behavior may also be included in map data from any desired source, such as additional map sources (eg, structural maps), satellite photos, sport-specific photos or images, and the like. As a more specific example, for a long-distance race or event (e.g., a marathon, cycling race, triathlon, road race, etc.), a race-specific map may be used to provide at least some of the map area 502 so as to be compatible with the race. Or other event-related data, such as aid stations, start/finish lines, and/or other information are also included in the route map area 502 .

Of course, the display 500 of FIG. 5 (and the various other exemplary displays described above and described below) need not be limited to those displays that may be used on a personal computer. Such a display may be provided in any suitable or desired location and/or as part of any suitable or desired device without departing from the invention, such as a display mounted on a cellular phone, PDA, audio or video player, bicycle , other portable devices, etc. If desired, map data of the types described above, including event-specific map data, may be provided to athletes prior to and/or during athletic activity for use during the event (e.g., downloaded to a portable device used by the athlete, via satellite or Other connected devices receive, etc.).

e. Activity replay

6 illustrates additional embodiments of processing and/or display of athletic activity data in systems and methods according to at least some embodiments of the present invention. This exemplary system and method includes visualization on display 600 of one or more previously recorded athletic performances with an animated activity "replay" feature. While any background may be provided without departing from the invention, such as map data, terrain map data, etc., in the embodiment shown, background 602 provides an animated representation of the actual terrain involved in the described activity. For example, in an event replay mode, a user may select a replay speed, click a "play" button 604, and then watch a "virtual" athlete 606 recreate the event on the background terrain or map 602. During the replay, there may be an indicator 608 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 or other desired indicator) that is displayed at a location along the route traveled by the virtual player 606, relative to the athletic activity Instantaneous values of various measured time, distance, physical and/or physiological parameters.

The illustrated display 600 shows two virtual athletes 606 and 610 on the same (or substantially the same) road or route. A second virtual athlete 620 may represent the same individual, and correspond to data related to two different actions on the same (or similarly located) course. As a further alternative, the second virtual athlete 610 may represent a different individual than the first virtual athlete 606, and the two activities shown may represent two athletes competing neck to neck in a single activity, or their individuals on the same track on or otherwise staggered efforts at different times. The second indicator display area 612 may also be configured to display instantaneous values of various measured time, distance, physical and/or physiological parameters related to the athletic performance of the second virtual athlete 610 at locations along the route. Of course, data for both motor activities may be obtained from any source without departing from the invention. Additionally, the user may independently drive the actions of each virtual athlete 606 and 610 (e.g., in the illustrated embodiment, by individually activating "play" buttons 604 and 614, or taking other suitable actions), or the virtual athletes 606 and 610 can act simultaneously and must virtually "race" each other (eg, in the embodiment shown, by activating a "play all" button 616, or taking other suitable action).

In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 6, keypad 618 identifies the displayed behavior. In the illustrated embodiment, keypad 618 indicates that display 600 includes data from an individual athlete who has completed the same course or track twice. In the illustrated embodiment, the two athletic events are separated by about a year. Using the system and method according to this embodiment of the invention, two acts can be replayed simultaneously (either in parallel or sequentially (optionally in a stepped fashion)) on a single terrain map. In this way, a user (eg, athlete, coach, and/or trainer) can see the progress and physical parameters of each activity in parallel as the virtual "game" or activity takes place. Such comparable data can provide valuable information about how an athlete's condition has changed over time, as well as help determine what changes may be needed to help the athlete reach his/her goals. As a further example, a user may use this display to compare his/her behavior on the same track with another person, such as a professional athlete, to measure how well a task can be performed relative to professional or other athletes.

Of course, more than two virtual players could be provided on a single display 600, if desired, without departing from the invention. Additionally, any manner of providing and/or displaying time, distance, physical and/or physiological data to a user may be provided without departing from the invention, including but not limited to the various specific embodiments described above in connection with FIGS. 2-5 . Furthermore, the ability to simultaneously display data related to two or more independent athletic activities may be applied to any of the various systems and methods described above, if desired.

Furthermore, the display characteristics and selections described above need not be limited to post-behavioral analyses. In at least some example systems and methods according to this invention, portable devices that play this type of animation (eg, in real-time) during athletic activity are useful to athletes participating in competitive events. For example, a cyclist may work with a coach or trainer to plan a race strategy (pace, effort level, etc.). Such a plan or strategy may be based on the past behavior of the athlete (or another) on the same route. To use this information during said activity, the cyclist may have a "PDA-type" device mounted on his handlebars to show him the terrain ahead on which he should achieve his plans or goals, to align him with the "ideal" Or "model" behavior comparisons, and comparisons with outstanding athletes, etc. Such systems and methods may also display the location of one or more competitors to the athlete, for example, if the systems and methods are capable of receiving wireless data (eg, wireless communication link, satellite link, etc.). In this manner, an athlete may use the device to monitor and access the entire game and/or their standing relative to one or more other competitors. A wireless link with this type of device can also provide data (e.g., time, distance, location, physical parameters, physiological parameters, etc.)

f. "Flying" animation

Additional aspects included in at least some embodiments consistent with the present invention relate to "flying" animations. Such systems and methods may use data displays of the types described above, such as displays including three-dimensional map or terrain data. In the embodiments of the invention described above in connection with Figure 6, the activity or athletic activity is replayed to the user, but in those systems and methods the user's point of view is fixed or stationary. "Flying" animations in accordance with this aspect and embodiments of the invention allow the user to rotate their point of view (eg, the aperture view of a camera) to follow the replay of the behavior in the way they choose.

In at least some embodiments, this concept involves the user's point of view following a virtual athlete on a computer display during playback of an athletic activity. This effect can be thought of as similar to following an athlete in a helicopter during an athletic activity. The user can pick the viewpoint angle of the camera and the "height" over the terrain to visualize. For example, a user may simulate a 100ft flight, a 500ft flight, a 1000ft flight, etc. If desired, in at least some systems and methods, the same flight simulation can be performed without the virtual glider, for example to allow the athlete, their coaches and/or trainers to view an animated depiction of the runway in order to design the athlete's behavior plan or strategy.

Currently, "freeware" versions of "flying" software are known and available that allow one to perform simulated flights over terrain. At least some embodiments of the invention additionally allow for the inclusion in flight of a depiction of an athlete's behavior, optionally additionally including timing, distance, physical and/or physiological data about said behavior. Additionally, the flight depiction can be timed to move to follow and/or track one (or more) virtual athletes. If desired, data corresponding to several different athletes or the same athlete on the same runway at different times may be replayed simultaneously during flight (eg, as described above in connection with FIG. 6 ). For example, assume that five athletes with GPS-equipped hardware, physical and or physiological sensors compete in a long distance race with staggered starting points, (eg, a marathon, bike race, ski race, etc.), as described above. After the activity (or between individual stages), data about its behavior can be downloaded to a host computer with application software. A replay of the race or stage can then be replayed as all five athletes race on the same virtual terrain/terrain map of the race track at the same start time. The data can be played back at multiple speeds and viewed from multiple camera angles or flying viewpoints. During the simulation, each athlete's instantaneous heart rate data, speed, etc. may be displayed on screen for comparison purposes.

Additionally or alternatively, a "flying" video of an athletic event (e.g., a marathon run, golf course, biking session, triathlon session, etc.) the video. Users can use these "flying" videos and track virtual athletes through a terrain representation of the entire game. Water stations, mountains, first aid stations, etc. can be visualized on a graphical representation on video. This information may be used to assist athletes, trainers and/or their coaches in developing a plan or strategy for this activity. Similarly, the portable device can be used to replay this information during the game, for example to inform the players of approaching terrain, landmarks and/or other information.

6. GPS assisted pacing and feedback

Additional aspects included in at least some systems and methods according to this invention relate to the use of GPS data before and/or during athletic activity or activity to aid in pacing. Currently, athletes, their coaches, and/or their trainers can manually determine target split times for a race or route (e.g., times to landmarks, benchmarks, specific distances, etc.), and these split times can be adjusted to account for the route specific terrain. For example, prior to running a marathon, runners may have a predetermined target finish time, and they may then develop a race plan that gives split timing for each mile, adjustments for changes in terrain uphill and/or downhill, time spent during the race wait. Typically, these split times are imprinted on bracelets worn by athletes on their wrists during competition.

Aspects of the present invention improve upon this known technique. For example, due to the GPS monitor in the athletic behavior monitoring system and method according to an embodiment of the present invention (or otherwise such as obtaining data about the route from different data sources, different sensors, etc.), after running (or Otherwise after any route, the athlete, trainer or coach can use this data in conjunction with a computer (or other processing device) to automatically generate its own virtual version of the route and/or use this data to develop an adjustable game plan. For example, after providing the systems and methods with the necessary route data (e.g., by running or otherwise moving on a track with a GPS monitor system and/or other parts of the athletic behavior monitoring system according to the present invention), tracking Points can be downloaded to a computer. The software then provides route-adjusted split times for each mile and/or other segment distance, optionally taking into account elevation changes on the route, prevailing wind direction, wind speed, and/or or other factors that may affect the difficulty of one part of the road relative to another. Such systems and methods may also calculate target split timings to specific road landmarks, such as aid stations, waypoints, bridges, and the like. Alternatively, such systems and methods may be operated shortly before a game to enable incorporation of local conditions (eg, wind speed, wind direction, etc.) at game time. Any desired algorithm may be used to determine the split timing from the total time of the target without departing from the invention.

In at least some embodiments of systems and methods in accordance with the present invention, updated split times may be provided to athletes during the event, eg, based on past behavior during the event. These updated split timings may be adjusted based on past behavior to still enable the athlete to achieve his/her preset timing goals, assuming all subsequent split timing goals are achieved.

The split timing information (and/or optionally any other desired route-related information, etc.) may be downloaded to a portable device, such as a watch, pager, PDA, etc., carried or worn by the athlete during the event. music or video player etc. This portable device may be loaded with the split timing and/or other data by any desired method or in any desired manner, eg, audio link, wireless data link, wired data link, cellular phone link, satellite link, etc. Although aspects of the invention may be used in combination with reception of GPS data, for all embodiments of this aspect of the invention, reception of GPS data is not required. For example, target lap times or split times may be downloaded to the portable device from the Internet or another data source for use in mass events such as marathon runs or other competitions, without using GPS data.

Many modifications to these embodiments and aspects of the invention are possible without departing from the invention.

7. Running "energy" parameters

Additional aspects of the invention relate to the determination, use and display of run-related "energy" parameters. During cycling or many other forms of exercise, equipment is available that enables athletes to measure the amount of energy expended versus time. While cycling, this parameter corresponds to or relates to the energy expended by the cyclist to overcome bicycle tire rolling resistance, wind resistance, moving mass over height, changing inertia of rotating and non-rotating parts, etc. Measuring this parameter of a cyclist is relatively easy because there are several convenient ways to choose information about the energy expended by a cyclist, for example on the pedals, in the crank or with a chain. For running, there is no equivalent "energy" measurement parameter because it is difficult to accurately measure the energy transferred in a shoe.

Systems and methods according to at least some embodiments of the present invention may use new derivations and estimates of running "energy," such as speed and altitude produced by GPS, pressure sensors, and/or other sensors carried by the athlete during the activity Alter data (eg, integrate accelerometer data, etc.). For example, given the above data, and due to the fact that a person can move approximately approximately slowly (e.g., from speed, weight, size, wind speed and/or direction (optionally, ignore wind effects)) and inertia (due to speed changes and Mass), which determines the run "energy" parameter. This new energy parameter can be used as a useful training metric, in much the same way as heart rate, as a measure indicative of motor output during an exercise. The running energy may be displayed on a wrist or other portable display, on a personal computer, and/or any other desired device before or after a workout.

8. Exemplary Hardware

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that aspects of the invention may be implemented in electronic circuitry such as solid state circuitry. However, various embodiments and aspects of the invention can be implemented using computer-executable instructions, such as software program modules, executed by programmable computing devices. Since these embodiments and aspects of the invention can be implemented using software, the components and operation of a typical programmable computer system with which such embodiments and aspects of the invention can be used will be described. More specifically, the components and operation of the programmable computer are described with reference to FIG. 7 . However, this operating environment is only one example of a suitable operating environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functional access of the invention.

In FIG. 7, computer system 700 has a programmable processor system 702, such as one or more microprocessors implemented on an integrated circuit. Computer system 700 may also have multiple input devices 704 and/or output devices 706 and memory 708 . Input device 704 and output device 706 may include any device for receiving input data and providing output data, respectively, including commonly used devices known in the art. As some more specific examples, input device 704 may include, for example, a keyboard, speaker, scanner, network connection, disk drive, and/or pointing device for receiving input from a user or other source. Examples of suitable output devices 706 may include, for example, display monitors, speakers, printers, tactile feedback devices, network links, and disk drives. These devices and systems and their connections are well known in the art and thus will not be discussed in detail here.

Memory 708 can be implemented using any combination of computer readable media that can be accessed directly or indirectly by processor system 702 . The computer-readable medium may include, for example, microcircuit memory devices such as read-write memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) or flash memory microcircuit devices, CD- ROM disk, digital video disk (DVD) or other optical storage device. The computer readable medium may also include cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disks, or other magnetic storage devices, perforated media, holographic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired information.

In at least some embodiments of the invention, computer system 700 may also include one or more interface devices 710 for exchanging data with other computers. Interface device 710 may include, for example, a modem, a wired network card, a wireless network card, and/or any other suitable device for communicating with one or more remote computers. The various processor systems 702, input devices 704, output devices 706, memory 708, and user interface devices 710 may be interconnected using data buses as is conventional and known in the art. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the data bus may be implemented using any type of suitable bus structure, including structures conventional in the art.

D. Conclusion

While the invention has been described in terms of specific examples, including presently preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many modifications and variations to the systems and methods described above. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims (12)

1. A sports behavior monitoring system, comprising: a global positioning satellite receiver that obtains data relating to a series of time-stamped fixes where the athlete is during the athletic performance; a first athletic performance monitor that provides data related to at least one of the speed or distance the athlete moves during the athletic performance; The means for storing data, it is used for storing the data relevant with the motion behavior that is collected by described global positioning satellite receiver and described first motion behavior monitor; The means for displaying information, it is used for using the data collected by described first athletic behavior monitor and not using the data collected by described global positioning satellite receiver to show the during behavior associated with athletic behavior information; and Means for analyzing and displaying information for analyzing and displaying information associated with a sporting activity when the activity no longer occurs, wherein said means for analyzing and displaying information use at least one through said global positioning satellite receiver the data collected. 2. The athletic activity monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the first athletic activity monitor is a speed and distance monitor based on a pedometer. 3. The athletic activity monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the first athletic activity monitor is a bicycle speed and distance monitor. 4. The athletic behavior monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said means for storing data is stored when the global positioning satellite reception is unavailable due to the needs of saving battery power. Data collected by a motor behavior monitor. 5. Athletic behavior monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said means for storing data is received at a global positioning satellite because the satellite signal to said global positioning satellite receiver is blocked When utilized, data collected by the first motor activity monitor is stored. 6. The athletic behavior monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said means for storing data is not available when global positioning satellite reception is received due to the delay of receiving satellite reception during the initial GPS power-on time , storing the data collected by the first motor behavior monitor. 7. The athletic activity monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first athletic activity monitor is used during athletic activity to provide instantaneous speed information to the athlete. 8. The athletic behavior monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a second athletic behavior monitor, the second athletic behavior monitor provides data relevant to the direction of movement of the athlete during the athletic behavior . 9. The athletic activity monitoring system of claim 8, wherein the second athletic activity monitor comprises a magnetic compass. 10. The athletic behavior monitoring system according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein when the satellite signal to the global positioning satellite receiver is unavailable during athletic behavior, speed, distance and flight direction data pass through the The first motor activity monitor and the second motor activity monitor are collected and stored in the means for storing. 11. according to claim 8 or the described athletic behavior monitoring system of claim 9, wherein from the data stored in described first athletic behavior monitor and described second athletic behavior monitor, be used to fill in by described global positioning satellite Vulnerabilities in data generated by receivers. 12. according to claim 8 or the described athletic behavior monitoring system of claim 9, wherein from the data that described first athletic behavior monitor and described second athletic behavior monitor store are used for when during athletic behavior, by Where data generated by the GPS receiver is incomplete, actual athlete road data is provided.

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